Caroline Londergan
Kelsi Knudson
Kristel Alliaume
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a total body conditioning program founded by Joseph H. Pilates in the 1920s. His influences to create this unique mind-body exercise came from his studies of gymnastics, boxing, skiing, diving, yoga, zen and other Eastern disciplines,
During WWI, he taught his method to fellow internees in a British Prison Camp. As many of them were war veterans and bedridden from being seriously wounded, he experimented attaching springs to hospital beds which allowed patients to start applying movement and resistance to their muscles which seemed to speed up their recovery time.
In 1926 Joseph emigrated to New York where he began teaching his method to elite dancers, actors, gymnasts and other artists, all keen to learn from him. Joe continued to develop his method throughout his lifetime.
Pilates Mat vs. Machines, What's the difference?
In machine Pilates, you will work one-on-one with a certified instructor, who has been trained extensively to design a program and modify the exercises with your specific needs in mind. Your instructor will move you from one piece of equipment to another, choosing from well over 500 exercises, after mutually assessing your specific needs and goals.
In Mat Pilates, you will be one of a group of 6-10 people, performing the same exercises, at the same pace. With a mat class, the instructor may only be able to occasionally give you specific instruction, based on your movement, and will direct the group as a whole. We recommend that you only do mat classes if you are without injuries and are relatively fit and pain-free. Since there is no apparatus in a mat class, you will look to your own body to create resistance, an amazing way to connect with and strengthen your core.
Can I start with a class?
We highly recommend that your first lesson be a private one. This will introduce you to the Pilates equipment, give you and the instructor an idea of where your body's strengths and weaknesses lie, and provide the attention needed to formulate your goals.
Starting out with private sessions is the best way to ensure the correct execution of the exercises, prevent possible injury, and boost your results. After your private session(s) you will be more comfortable with the principles and philosophy of Pilates, and you and your teacher will decide how you should proceed from there.
Why should I try Pilates?
Pilates is three-dimensional, meaning it uses all planes of motion. To maintain a healthy spine you need to move your back in all planes of direction everyday. Spring resistance is ideal, rather than weight training, because it closely resembles the way muscles contract with a greater emphasis on the concentric/eccentric contractions. Pilates focuses on rebalancing muscles around the joints, it corrects imbalances and over-trained muscles that commonly lead to injuries.
Your workout with us is customizable for your specific needs. By balancing strength with flexibility Pilates will lead to an improvement in your posture and body awareness.
Even if you have tried Pilates before- at home with a video, at the gym in a mat class, or at another studio- try Pilates with us!
We are confident that you will leave feeling refreshed, sweaty, challenged, stretched and strengthened.
The Benefits of Pilates:
Develop Your Core Strength
Speed Up Your Metabolism
Strengthen Your Muscles
Improve Your Posture
Increase Your Flexibility and Range of Motion
Enhance Your Sports Performance
Maintain Your Proper Biomechanical Alignment
Overcome Your Body's Muscular Imbalances
Decrease Your Chance of Injury
Condition Your Body Before and After Childbirth
Tone Up Your Entire Body
Challenge Your Balance
Feel Your Absolute Best!
How often should I do Pilates & when will I see results?
2-3 times a week is ideal. Like any form of exercise, consistency is key, and it is helpful to not let too much time pass in order to remember the previous lesson and incorporate the information in your body.
You will be happy with how you look and feel after just a few sessions. It is also great to combine private lessons with duets and/or classes during the course of a week. Most clients see dramatic results in about 6-8 weeks with 2-4 visits per week. You can speed up results by adding cardiovascular exercise, with our Jump Board classes, and adapting healthy eating habits.
Pilates vs. Yoga, What's the difference?
Joseph Pilates was inspired by both eastern and western forms while developing his method, so there are many similarities. Both are beneficial and alot is based on individual preference.
The breathing is different, and you are asked to pull your stomach in rather than allowing it to fill with breath. Using the equipment in Pilates is weight resistance training; while Yoga and Mat Pilates is about using your own body to create the resistance.
Pilates is also constant movement, rather than the holding of postures.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably so that your movement is free, but try not to wear clothing that is TOO loose fitting.
It is important that the instructor be able to observe your body as you move. No shoes, socks are okay, but barefoot is best.
Join our team! We are now hiring new instructors.
Join us in this challenging workout on the Pilates Reformer designed to tone and strengthen not just your core, but your entire body! Experience the joy of movement while feeling lengthened, strengthened, and balanced while moving from the inside out. Our Instructors will offer guidance through a series of exercises specifically tailored to match your ability level. The small class size guarantees that you'll receive plenty of guidance and support from our experienced instructors.
Jump to the beat... Work up a sweat and add a little cardio to your life! Our Jump Board class is a fun and challenging alternative method to spice up your old boring cardio routine. Come enjoy an intense, efficient, low impact workout that will raise your heart rate and simulaneouly work your core.
Injury Free and previous Pilates Reformer experience is recommended for this class.
